Solicitor - Planning/Environment

TN United Kingdom; Chichester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a solicitor to join their renowned Planning and Environmental team. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile cases, including complex planning enforcement issues and environmental liabilities. You will support team growth while mentoring junior members and contributing to business development. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this innovative firm fosters a supportive workplace where your contributions will make a real impact. If you have a passion for law and a desire to excel in a dynamic environment, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible pension schemes

Two paid volunteering days annually

Well-being initiatives

Westfield Health membership

Aviva Digital GP services

Qualifications

• Proven track record in planning and environmental law.
• Strong property and corporate due diligence skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex Section 106 Agreements for multi-use developments.
• Advise on major brownfield redevelopments for city center regeneration.

Skills

Planning Law

Environmental Law

Due Diligence

Judicial Review

Client Management

Education

Law Degree

Solicitor Qualification

Job description

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

Our experienced Planning and Environmental team has a strong track record for providing the very best legal advice across a range of planning and environmental issues. It is nationally recognized in Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, and the Planning Magazine’s top planning practices, headed by Claire Petricca-Riding, who was named one of the top 100 leading environmental practitioners in the UK by ENDS Power List.

The team has considerable experience across sectors such as development – including commercial, residential, retirement living, education, retail, logistics, manufacturing, and waste management.

The members regularly contribute to national publications like EG, Property Week, Planning Magazine, and ENDS Report.

Recent activities include:

1. Handling complex Section 106 Agreements for multi-use residential-led developments
2. Conducting due diligence reporting for re-financing major property portfolios
3. Managing judicial reviews of mining schemes
4. Addressing complex planning enforcement issues in luxury residential developments
5. Advising on major brownfield redevelopments for city center regeneration
6. Advising large port groups on environmental liabilities and damages
7. Supporting PLC acquisitions of multi-site fuel businesses, focusing on environmental liabilities
8. Representing waste organizations in odour nuisance claims
9. Investigating and prosecuting cases for a large wood recycler with the Environment Agency
10. Advising PBSA developers on campus regeneration projects
11. Providing environmental due diligence and statutory agreement negotiations for PRS developers

The team covers both planning and environmental matters. As a solicitor, you will handle a wide range of cases for notable clients, supporting team growth, business development, and mentoring junior members.

Applications are welcome from diverse professional backgrounds, including private practice, local authority, or other public sector roles.

This position is based in Gatwick, Brighton, Southampton, or Chichester.

About You

• A proven track record in planning and/or environmental law
• Good knowledge of planning and/or environmental issues
• Understanding of the criminal system and judicial review processes
• Strong property and corporate due diligence skills
• Confidence to handle complex cases independently
• Enthusiasm for law and commitment to client outcomes under pressure
• Network of third-party contacts and social media savvy for networking and client attraction

Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with options to buy additional days
• Flexible pension schemes
• Two paid volunteering days annually
• Westfield Health membership and Aviva Digital GP services
• Well-being initiatives, flexible working options, and recognition as a Best Workplace for Wellbeing 2024

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, community investment, and climate action, fostering a workplace where everyone can flourish.